Whether it was grades or looks, she was superior in every way. The reason Pandora flirted with Shirone was to prove that she could make him her man if given the chance.

Pandorasaid, "Hmph, I know you’re dating Senior Amy. But you can’t even see her anymore. Besides, she’s going to pass the graduation exam and leave the school. Shirone needs a new woman. A refined and intelligent woman like me."

Pandora subtly adjusted her treasured chest.

Pandoraadded, "Anyway, it’s good to pick the right side. I’ll catch up to Boyle soon. If you join my side, I’ll treat you well."

Iruki, who had pulled Shirone aside, wagged his finger.

Irukisaid, "Aren’t you underestimating us too much? We’re Team Shirone."

Pandoralaughed, "Hohoho! Enjoy it while you can since it’s your first time. You’ll soon learn that Class Four isn’t so easy to handle. Well then, Shirone. See you later."

Pandora blew a kiss with her hand and returned to her seat. Shirone was already mentally exhausted before the first class even started. But thanks to this, he could guess how Class Four operated.

Boyle and Pandora, ranked first and second, were aiming for the graduation class, and the other students were watching the situation closely.

Shirone felt that giving up on the graduation class this time was the right decision. He had no intention of avoiding competition, but he didn’t want to fight with his friends over the narrow spots that were determined on a first-come, first-served basis.

If he could achieve remarkable growth this year, he resolved to apply first next year, just like Amy.

The first three classes passed without incident, and as they waited for the fourth period’s Mind Theory class, the teacher entered with three transfer students.

Students who subscribed to magazines recognized them and buzzed with excitement.

Victor Sabina.

Bonifar Closer.

Aerhain Dante.

They were from the Royal Magic Academy of the capital, Bashka, and were currently the most talked-about students in the kingdom.

Especially Aerhain Dante, who was called the next great mage even among active mages, was a genius among geniuses.

The teacherannounced, "Now, now! Quiet, everyone. These are the transfer students who will be joining Class Four from today. They’ll introduce themselves, so please welcome them warmly."

Dante, who stepped onto the podium, looked around at the students. His first impression was that they were "uncool." To his eyes, accustomed to the cutting-edge trends of the capital, everything seemed rustic.

Dante fixed his gaze on Boyle. His appearance clearly suggested he was a mama’s boy, but his confident gaze was unsettling.

Dante thought,’Is that kid Shirone? No, it can’t be.’

The Shirone he had heard about from Olivia didn’t match this impression. He didn’t know what Shirone looked like, but this wasn’t the vibe he expected.

Meanwhile, a girl with heavy makeup was flirting with Shirone. Her face was pretty, but the absurdly thick makeup was unbearable. If she walked around like that in the capital, she’d be mistaken for a bar girl.

The teachersaid, "Dante, what are you doing? Introduce yourself."

Dante pushed aside his thoughts and spoke.

Dantesaid, "Nice to meet you. I’m Aerhain Dante. Let’s get along."

That was the end of his introduction.

If any other student had introduced themselves like that, they would have been booed, but Dante was an exception.

The students had no choice but to stay silent, as they already knew enough about him from magazines.

After Sabina and Closer finished their introductions, the class began.

The Mind Theory teacher was Karman, a 60-year-old philosopher who held an officially recognized 8th-grade mage certification.

He had a good reputation in Creas, but his classes were rather boring.

Karmansaid, "Today, we’ll learn about the algorithm that distinguishes individuality from stubbornness. We all want to be different from others. But simply being different isn’t individuality."

Dante and his group were bored from the start. This was a subject that ranked in the bottom 400 at the Royal Magic Academy.

Closer, who was slouching in his chair, spoke up.

Closersaid, "This class is disgustingly old-fashioned. What does it matter if it’s individuality or stubbornness? You live as you are. What’s the point of Mind Theory at your age?"

Dante also had no interest in the class. What piqued his curiosity was the student named Shirone.

After meeting with Olivia that morning, Dante had received a special mission to crush Shirone.

Since it was his specialty, Dante readily accepted.

He didn’t know who Shirone was, but he must have been walking around with his nose in the air until now. Dante planned to make sure he couldn’t even lift his head from today onward.

Dante thought,’But it’s strange. Why isn’t he first?’

If a second-grade great mage had given a special order to crush someone, they should naturally be ranked first in the advanced class. But the top student was a mama’s boy.

So who was Shirone?

Dante’s gaze swept over the students. Then it settled on one boy.

Mercodain Iruki.

Dante thought,’Ah, that guy’s here too.’

Back when they attended the Royal Magic Academy, they had almost formed a rivalry, but it fell apart when Iruki transferred.

Over time, Dante had become the best in the kingdom, while Iruki didn’t even make it into magazines. The gap between them had widened. No, in fact, Dante thought none of the students here could even compare to those at the Royal Magic Academy.

At the Royal Magic Academy, there were no class distinctions. There was only a ranking from first to last.

The so-called "Wall of Magic" was the 30th rank, and only those above it were eligible to take the graduation exam. Currently, Dante and his group were ranked 31st, 32nd, and 33rd.

Dante was confident he could pass the graduation exam right now. But his goal was to be first.

Within the top 30, there was even a 32-year-old student. Though his skills were lacking, his over 20 years of experience at the academy couldn’t be ignored. Dante planned to prepare thoroughly and graduate with the best results.

The top five prestigious schools each received ten graduation tickets from the Magic Association. Alpheas Magic Academy also produced ten graduates each year using those tickets.

But the Royal Magic Academy received an additional ten tickets due to its status as the kingdom’s top school.

With the capital’s large population and the merit that two-thirds could pass the graduation exam, it was natural that the kingdom’s most promising mage aspirants flocked there.

In the end, the 30 graduates from Alpheas Magic Academy and the top 30 from the Royal Magic Academy were on different levels.

The fact that Dante and his group were assigned to Class Four based on the 30th rank cutoff was a blow to his pride.

In any case, he needed to see who this Shirone kid was. Not seeing any particularly special students, Dante asked the girl next to him.

Dantesaid, "Hey, who’s Shirone?"

The girlreplied, "Huh? Shi, Shirone? That kid sitting at the end over there. But why are you asking about Shirone?"

Dante didn’t even respond and turned his head toward Shirone. Surprisingly, it was the boy sitting next to Iruki. He was also one of the people Dante had thought definitely wasn’t Shirone.

Dantemuttered, "Hmm, he looks like a good student. But he doesn’t seem particularly strong?"

Closer and Sabina were also observing Shirone.

Closersaid, "Heh, he’s probably just a bookworm. Typical of a rural school, all he does is study. I’m already bored to death. When are we going to do practical training?"

Sabinaadded, "His fashion is terrible, but he’s good-looking. He seems calm too, the typical unawakened type."

Closerscoffed, "Hmph, if you’re going to rely on Immortal Function, you might as well go to the mountains and meditate. What are you doing at a magic academy?"

Immortal Function was certainly rare, but it wasn’t an absolute measure of magical ability.

Out of the five nationally recognized first-grade mages, only one was unawakened.

Karman’s Mind Theory class was nearing its end.

Karmansaid, "When you come up with an idea, the more difficult it is to put into practice, the more it can be called individuality. Also, if it easily gains others’ approval, it can be called a belief. The problem is when it’s both easy to do and doesn’t gain approval. That’s what we call stubbornness."

The students nodded, and Dante dozed off.

Karmancontinued, "In the future, you’ll have many thoughts. Individuality is good, and belief is good. But don’t fall into stubbornness. If you come up with an idea that others can’t do but still gain approval, then that thought is likely correct."

The bell signaling lunchtime rang. The students applauded at the thought of a break, and Karman left satisfied.

Shironesaid, "Guys, I’ll be back."

Shirone hurriedly packed his bag. The only time he could meet Alpheas was during lunch, so time was tight.

Irukiasked, "Are you sure? You’re not even eating?"

Shironereplied, "It’s not the first time I’ve skipped meals. Who knows, maybe the principal will treat me to something delicious?"

Neidsaid, "Alright. Do your best."

Shironeadded, "I might be late, so let the teacher know for me."

As the students prepared to head to the cafeteria, Closer stretched his arms and yawned lazily.

Closersaid, "Finally over? Damn. I’ve only been to one class, and I’m already this bored. How am I supposed to last half a year here?"

Sabinareplied, "Well, we have practical training in the afternoon, so it might be better. Dante, Dante. Wake up. It’s lunchtime."

Dante, waking from his nap, rubbed his eyes and got up.

Dantegroaned, "Ugh, what kind of class is this? A sleeping pill? Anyway, let’s get started. Since we’re in their territory, it’s only polite to greet them first."

Dante looked around sharply for Shirone. But no matter where he looked, he couldn’t find him.

Dantemuttered, "What? Where’d he go?"

Just as Dante was about to move, Boyle and Pandora blocked his path. Just like with Shirone, Boyle extended his hand first.

Boylesaid, "Nice to meet you. I’ve heard all about your reputation. I’m Chris Boyle."

Dante asked, "Boyle, huh? What’s your rank?"

Boyle puffed out his chest and spoke as if he had been waiting for this.

Boylereplied, "I’m first. I’m the top in the advanced class."

As expected, Shirone wasn’t first. Why hadn’t his master mentioned Boyle? If he was going to unleash a beast like Dante, shouldn’t he at least ask about the top student?

Danteasked, "Then what’s Shirone’s rank?"

Boyle was annoyed that the kingdom’s top star was interested in Shirone. But thinking that showing his emotions would mean losing, he smiled.

Boylesaid, "Shirone just moved up this semester, so he doesn’t have a rank yet. But he’s definitely a promising student. You could say he’s my rival, but I’ll probably be going to the graduation class."

Dante stared at Boyle’s still outstretched hand.

Dantesaid, "Sorry, but I’ve never heard of you. In short, I don’t know why I should shake your hand. Just because you’re first in the advanced class, you expect me to bow?"

Boyle’s face turned red. He hadn’t intended that, but part of him had hoped for a similar reaction.

Boylestammered, "I, I’m just a fellow student. It’s a gesture of friendship..."

Danteinterrupted, "Fellow student? So you’re saying you and I are on the same level?"

Boyle felt a chill from Dante and took a step back. He had faced countless competitors to reach the top of Class Four, but he wasn’t used to such low-level provocation.

Boyleasked, "What’s your major?"

Boyle, thinking he couldn’t be ignored any longer, arrogantly raised his head.

Boylereplied, "Summoning magic."

Closerburst out laughing, "Pfft, hahaha!"

Closer suddenly struck Boyle’s abdomen. Boyle’s feet lifted off the ground, and he fell to his knees with a thud. Even as he struggled to breathe, he couldn’t believe what had happened.

Boylegasped, "Sc, school violence is... Ugh!"

Closer’s soccer kick hit Boyle’s stomach. Though he enjoyed combat despite being a mage, this time he felt almost sorry for hitting him.

A seventeen-year-old acting like the world was ending after getting hit once. It was no wonder they were all boring kids from the countryside.

Dante looked down at Boyle, who was spitting out saliva.

Dantesaid, "Just wait. I’ll have you all under me soon."

The atmosphere in the classroom turned icy. No one dared to challenge Dante and his group, who had shown their true colors within an hour.

Sabina approached Pandora, who was flustered, and blatantly evaluated her appearance.

Sabinasaid, "What’s with your makeup? Country girls are different, huh? Do you go to bars at night?"

Pandora’s face turned bright red. Though she was bold, this kind of insult was new to her.

Sabina’s hand caressed Pandora’s cheek.

Sabinateased, "Hehe, it’s better if you don’t move. My hands are sharp."

Pandora couldn’t move. Sabina’s hand was soft, but her words weren’t a lie. A cold aura surrounded her.

Sabinasaid, "Let’s see. What should I do with this feisty one..."

Iruki, who had been watching, intervened.

Irukisaid, "Stop it. We’re not kids."

Sabina frowned and turned away. But before she could speak, Dante walked over.

Dantesaid, "Long time no see, Iruki."

Irukiasked, "What? How do you know me?"

A vein popped on Dante’s forehead. They hadn’t been close back then, but they had been talked about as rivals.

There was no way Iruki didn’t know that. He was clearly ignoring Dante without knowing his place.

Neid stepped in to diffuse the tension.

Neidsaid, "Hahaha! Let’s not fight. It’s only the first day of the semester. We’ll be studying together, so let’s get along. Right?"

From Dante’s perspective, there was no benefit in making an enemy of Iruki. He had no intention of being friendly, but Iruki was from the prestigious Mercodain family.

Dante ignored Iruki and turned to Neid.

Danteasked, "Where’s Shirone?"

Shirone had gone to see Alpheas. But Neid, not knowing Dante’s intentions, wasn’t about to tell him.

Neidsaid, "Shirone? Ah, Shirone’s famous! But I’m pretty popular too. How about we be friends? I’m the president of the Supernatural Psychic Science Research Club..."

As Neid tried to buy time, Closer immediately swung his fist. Neid’s upper body leaned back, narrowly dodging the punch.

It happened in an instant, as if they had rehearsed it.

Closer thought,’Oh? Look at this guy.’

Closer’s eyebrows rose. Dodging by a hair’s breadth without even blinking was a sign of being used to fights.

Dante scoffed.

Dantesaid, "For someone smiling, you’re in full combat mode."

Neidexclaimed, "Ahhh, you scared me. Why’d you do that?"

Neid looked like he had no idea what had just happened.

Dantesaid, "Hmph, whatever. I don’t know what you’re scheming, but I have no business with a coward like you."

Dante had no choice but to ask Iruki.

Danteasked, "Hey, you know, right? Where’s Shirone?"

Irukireplied, "Why are you looking for Shirone?"

Dantesaid, "Just want to say hi. School life’s going to get tough from now on. You’re not going to say you don’t know, are you? The great Mercodain."

Irukisaid, "Of course. Shirone’s over here."

Iruki pointed at his own feet. Dante, who had been looking at the floor, frowned and asked again.

"What, on the first floor?"

"No. Somewhere on this planet."

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com